Formula One news

Spyker within seconds of first point

Spyker was just 4.5secs away from scoring its first World Championship point today at a chaotic, rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix. Adrian Sutil again drove a highly impressive race to scythe through the field from 20th on the grid to 9th at the chequered flag. Sakon Yamamoto finishing as the highest classified Japanese driver in 12th position.

"It was a tough race for everybody, with a lot of water on the track and long periods behind the safety car," said Sutil. "In very difficult circumstances I think we made some good decisions and in the end we had the right balance and set up on the car. We could do a lot of fighting, changing positions quite a lot, and we were so close to getting that first point, but finally we ended up in P9. All the same it's a success for us as we were 14th in Spa and now 9th, so we are getting there. In special weather conditions such as these today I think we are very strong."

Sakon Yamamoto commented, "This was a really hard race, probably the toughest I have ever had, because the weather conditions made it really difficult to drive at any kind of speed, even behind the safety car, and when you were following somebody you couldn't even see 20m in front of you. I think we also should think of the Japanese fans as they were watching right to the end when it was so cold and wet! I was so pleased that I could finish my home Grand Prix in front of so many people and now I want to finish the next race with an even better result. Also thanks to all the team members as they really supported me today."

Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer added, "It's a case of mixed emotions for us. We had a very good day, with a solid performance from both drivers and the team in very difficult conditions, but it's also disappointing not to have picked up a point. Once again in wet conditions we proved that we were on top of the strategy, although we were unlucky with Adrian in that the second safety car period fell when he was due to come in and lost us several positions. We were still able to get some of them back, but it was just not quite enough. But well done to both drivers; Sakon again drove a very good race and although we can be happy to finish in front of the works Honda and Toyota teams, ultimately it's a disappointment not to have picked up our first point."

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• 28 Aug.
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• 27 Aug.
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  • Hamilton almost didn't race, confirms Whitmarsh
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• 26 Aug.
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  • Trulli confident Toyota can keep fourth
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  • Ferrari boss takes penalty on chin
• 25 Aug.
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  • Alonso feels for Spanish fans
  • Sutil didn't see Massa coming
• 24 Aug.
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  • McLaren savours solid performance
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  • Force India looks for the positives
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  • Williams back in the points
  • Toyota moves ten points clear in fourth
  • Weekend to forget for Renault
  • Another pointless day for Honda
  • Massa escapes with reprimand
  • Disasterous day for Red Bull
  • Massa delighted, blames Sutil for pit drama
  • Hamilton can't complain with second
  • Ferrari hoping to avoid penalty
  • Massa storms to Valencia victory
  • Photos: Sunday at the Valencia Street Circuit

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